Hi! I'm a 39-year old mom with a 3 year old girl and 6 year old boy. I have fought my weight MY ENTIRE LIFE. Always before, I wanted to lose weight to feel good about myself and to look good. I knew/know losing weight was important for being healthy. Now, as I approach 40, I really am struggling with the impacts weight is having on my health: snoring, lack of mobility, joint pain, bladder issues, hormonal acne, menstrual issues, plantar faciatis. I know my weight is THE major contributor ...

Hi! I'm a 39-year old mom with a 3 year old girl and 6 year old boy. I have fought my weight MY ENTIRE LIFE. Always before, I wanted to lose weight to feel good about myself and to look good. I knew/know losing weight was important for being healthy. Now, as I approach 40, I really am struggling with the impacts weight is having on my health: snoring, lack of mobility, joint pain, bladder issues, hormonal acne, menstrual issues, plantar faciatis. I know my weight is THE major contributor to these issues. I want so desperately to lose weight not just to "look good." But, I want a good quality of life. And, I want to be an example to my children. I want to provide them with a postive model of how a person should take care of themselves. But, it is a struggle. It always has and it always will. And, that's why I called my page "The Struggle."

My Goals:
To lose at least 80 pounds by my 40th birthday (July 2011). I want to compete in the 2011 Baton Rouge Rocketchix Triathlons. I want to be able to wear cute sandals without foot pain!

My Program:
Calorie Counting! However, I need to concentrate on better planning with my family's needs in mind. Also, I prefer eating more whole grain/vegetarian. I need to work on ensuring I'm incorporating that into my diet, as well.

Personal Information:
I'm 39 years old, married and the mother of two small and adorable (when they aren't making me nuts!) children. I graduated from LSU (Geaux Tigers!) in 2001 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. I work full-time for a state agency. The pay and benefits really aren't that great. But, I have a lot of flexibility in meeting the needs of my kids. I'm a life-long dieter. I feel as if I have a pretty good grasp on all the science of diet. My problem involves implementing.